Statesboro Magazine January/February 2015 by Statesboro Magazine

January February 2015

Priceless

Kevin Black &

The American Dream

Dr. Keel’s

First Five Years Statesboro’s Plan

Growth & Development

Special Features Women in Business

Get Active!

201 N. Main Street Statesboro, GA 30458

www.fmbnk.com

912-489-2600

NMLS#498426 LDP-2600-14

Michelle Zeanah, MD, FAAP

Kirsten Coulter, CPNP

Austin Whitlock, III MD, FAAP

Cheryl E. Perkins, MD, FAAP

Katie Marucco, CPNP

WE NOW HAVE AN ON-STAFF LACTATION COUNSELOR • Prenatal Visits • Electronic Medical Records • Separate Sick & Well waiting rooms • Same day sick appointments

1497 Fair Road, Suite 200 • Statesboro, GA 30458 912•871•HUGS (4847) • www.bullochpediatrics.com * We are now in network with Humana *

FROM THE EDITOR Established March 1, 2000

Jenny Starling Foss Editor

Joe McGlamery

t’s always so refreshing to begin a New Year. We get to throw out the old and start over with newness and clean slates. We get the chance once again to do things differently and with more attention to purpose. There’s a feeling of anticipation as we round the corner from the old year to the new. Statesboro seems to be on the brink of many great things to come! Kevin Black, Plant Manager of Great Dane’s Statesboro refrigerated trailer manufacturing facility, knows about some of those great things. Kevin gives us an update on the plant’s successful start-up, future plans for expansion, and tells us how working with local leaders on work force development is a good thing for the future of the area. It’s been five years since Brooks Keel, Ph.D., became president of Georgia Southern. We sat down with Dr. Keel to talk about the University’s successes in the past five years (Go Eagles!), and to hear about great plans for Georgia Southern’s bright future on the national stage. With a nationally recognized research university, strong industry, available land, a great workforce, and all new schools, our area is poised for something big! Inside we highlight the City of Statesboro’s growth plans and

speak with community leaders about economic development, revitalization, and how the city works to make things easier for developers who want to invest here. Inside this issue, we also showcase Women in Business in a special section devoted to focusing a spotlight on their leadership ability, community involvement, and many accomplishments. There’s also a guide on Local Ways to Get Active! with inducements to get out of the house and get started on a New Year’s fitness plan. Our New Year is going to be just FABULOUS! So fabulous, that we want you to help us to find the most fabulous people, places, and things in Statesboro. We’re calling our contest the Fabulist, and voting is easy. You can vote by visiting www.statesboromagazine.com or by filling out the ballot we have inserted after page 18 and mail it in, or bring it by our office. Do it today! Voting ends on January 18th. Just can’t wait to see who makes Statesboro Magazine’s Fabulist. Look for the first ever Fabulist! in the next issue. Wishing You a Fabulous New Year!

Priceless

About the Cover

4 • Statesboro Magazine

Reagan Daly General Manager

Hunter McCumber Art Director

Erica Sellers Advertising & Marketing Director

Stefany Bornman Contributing Writer

Frank Fortune Contributing Photographer Statesboro Magazine is proudly produced by:

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, PLEASE E-MAIL: esellers@StatesboroMagazine.com FOR EDITORIAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE E-MAIL: editor@StatesboroMagazine.com MAILING ADDRESS: PHYSICAL ADDRESS: P. O. Box 1084 16 Simmons Statesboro, GA Shopping Center 30459 Statesboro, GA 30458 p: 912.489.2181 f: 912.489.8613 Circulation

January February 2015

Kevin Black is the steward of Statesboro’s Great Dane refrigerated trailer manufacturing plant located in Gateway Industrial Park 1 on U.S. Highway 301. Black’s got a grasp on the future and on the collar of Tipsy, an appropriate mascot representing Great Dane’s golden future in Bulloch County. Kevin & Tipsy were photographed at Great Dane by national award winning photographer Frank Fortune.

Publisher

Kevin Black &

The American Dream

Dr. Keel’s

First Five Years Statesboro’s Plan

Growth & Development

Special Feature

Women in Business

Get Active!

Statesboro Magazine is published bi-monthly (six issues a year) at a $20.00 annual subscription rate by Statesboro Publishing Company, Inc. Standard postage paid at Statesboro, GA. To subscribe, email Statesboro Magazine General Manager, Reagan Daly at rdaly@StatesboroMagazine.com or call 912.489.2181. The cover and contents of Statesboro Magazine are fully protected by copyright laws of the United States and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Statesboro Magazine. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs, transparencies or other materials. Such materials will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Address letters and editorial contributions to Statesboro Magazine, P.O. Box 1084, Statesboro, GA 30459. Copyright © 2015 by Statesboro Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

A Look Inside January February 2015

2014

Kevin Black

The American

Priceless

See the pages come

Dream

Dr. Keel’

First Five Yea s rs

Bridal Resource Guide Statesboro’ s Plan Grow th & Developm

ent

Special Feature

Women in Busi ness

Get Active!

alive!

New to Statesboro M agazine… Interactive Print! Simply follow the instructions below to begin enjoying the benefits of print that comes to life. Follow the advertiser’s index below for a complete list of pages embedded with the new augmented reality.

Proud publishers of Statesboro Magazine, Weddings by Statesboro Magazine, and GSU’s official football program – FLIGHT! Download the free Layar App

SUBSCRIBE Make sure you never miss

When You See This Image

Scan the Page

Discover interactive Content

ADVERTISERS AUGMENTED RE ALIT Y INDE X

a copy of Statesboro’s only

Sea Island Bank............................................... 68

Satatesboro Oral & Max................................. 14

full-color lifestyle magazine.

Welcome Hunter McCumber!

Sign-up on-line at StatesboroMagazine.com.

FOLLOW US on Facebook. We want you to “like” us. Check-out our Facebook page and keep up with the exciting things happening in Statesboro. You’ll find us at Statesboro Magazine.

Statesboro Magazine is excited to welcome Graphic Artist Hunter McCumber to our team as Art Director. A creative force of nature, Hunter brings over six years of experience to the magazine. Prior to joining the Statesboro Magazine staff, Hunter worked with several news publications in the Southeast, including the Statesboro Herald. A native of Tattnall County, Hunter studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. In his new position, Hunter is chief designer for all of Statesboro Magazine’s related publications including Statesboro Weddings magazine, Georgia Southern’s football program – FLIGHT, East Georgia Regional Medical Center’s Physicians Guide, and the Bulloch County Board of Education’s Focus Magazine.

A little birdie told us you might

Frank Fortune

want to send little tweets about each

Frank is the national award winning photographer who holds the distinction of shooting 15 years’ worth of covers for Statesboro Magazine. He recently retired from GSU after having been responsible for capturing the University’s history on film and video for 30 years. Throughout his career Frank’s enjoyed all aspects of photography, including sports, still-life, landscape, and architecture. He and his wife, Mandy, are the proud parents of children, Jack and Cate.

issue. Our tag is Statesboro Mag!

WRITE US Send us an email with your comments or suggestions to editor@statesboromagazine.com. You

Stefany Bornman

could see your letter in our next issue!

Stefany Bornman grew up in the tropical rain forests of Panama and the sandy beaches of Puerto Rico, before she moved to the beautiful Peach State. She studies Journalism and Spanish at Georgia Southern University. In her spare time, Stefany enjoys learning about new cultures through her travels, rescuing stray animals, and abstract painting. “I hope my words inspire people. I believe that is the best legacy to leave behind.”

Insta

StatesboroMagazine.com

January/February 2015 • 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Features T he C ultur e

The Satisfaction of Success Kevin Black Wr i t t en b y J e n n y S ta rl i n g F o s s Phot og r a p hy b y F ra n k F o rtu n e

36 An Innovative Future

for Your City

Wr i t t en b y J e n n y S ta rl i n g F o s s Phot og r a p hy b y F ra n k F o rtu n e

42 We Belong! We Belong!

Dr. Brooks Keel’s First Five Years Wr i t t en b y J e n n y S ta rl i n g F o s s Phot og r a p hy b y J e re m y W i l b u rn

Special Features Women in Business page 19

Local Ways to Get Active!

photo by Frank Fortune

page 29

6 • Statesboro Magazine

IN EVERY ISSUE

FEATURED COLUMNISTS

4 Calendar of Events.............................................................. 8 News & Notes................................................................ 10 Look Around.................................................................... 62 Transitions........................................................................ 66

Motherboard

From the Editor...................................................................

Written by Reagan Daly...............................................................

The Write Place Written by Jenny Starling Foss....................................................

53 59

The Spiritual Pathway Written by Rev. Dr. H. William Perry.............................................

The View from Here Written by Ric Mandes................................................................

January/February 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 7

Calendar

january Sunday

monday

REAL NETWORKING

Tuesday

EVENT PROMOTIONS

Wednesday

YOUR #1 CHOICE FOR PROMO

B l as t

#1 SOURCE FOR Happenings in the Boro #1 SOURCE FOR Happenings in the Boro Insta

Thursday 1

Friday

Saturday

New Year’s Day

SIGN-UP FOR E-BLASTS AT EDITOR@STATESBOROMAGAZINE.COM

First Day of Second Semester Bulloch County Schools

11 Continuum Exhibit BFSDoArt Alumni 8am – 5pm Through Feb. 22 GS Center for Art & Theater

GS & OTC Spring Semester Begins

The Second City Comedy Tour 7:30pm Emma Kelly Theater

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade 2pm

Arlo Guthrie: 50th Anniversary Tour 7:30pm GSU PAC

8 • Statesboro Magazine

To Kill a Mockingbird 7:30pm Emma Kelly Theater

Calendar

february Sunday 1

monday 2

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Groundhog Day To Kill a Mockingbird School Matinee 10am Emma Kelly Theater

Back on Broadway 7:30 pm GS PAC

15 The Importance of Being Ernest 2:00pm Emma Kelly Theater

19 17

President’s Day

18 Ash Wednesday

The Importance of Being Ernest Feb. 13 – 14 7:30pm Emma Kelly Theater

Valentine’s Day

Chinese New Year

Winter Break Feb 16 – 20 Bulloch County Schools

Miss Nelson is Missing School Matinee 11am GSU PAC

January/February 2015 • 9

News & Notes

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Call to make an appointment 214 Savannah Avenue | Statesboro, GA 912.764.5609 | www.drdeal.net 16 • Statesboro Magazine

welding and automated production processes. Great Dane is also known as a company with numerous green initiatives including a building management system to control lights, air quality, and temperature. The plant builds nine trailers per day with one shift of workers. “We’re now training to build more high specification units, then open our second shift,” said Black. The second shift could open as early as next year. When the plant first went on-line in 2012, they began with 30-40 employees and grew. “We began with training our people to build basic refrigerated trailers. Now we can manufacture the most complex reefers out there,” said Black. “Some plants take 10 – 12 years to get to that level. Our people are very close to going high tech for refrigeration customers.” One of Great Dane’s reasons for locating in Statesboro was moving 400 greatly needed jobs into the area. But, one of Black’s greatest challenges is finding trained workers. In addition to in-house training, he is open and innovative in seeking ways to make training and job opportunities available to the workforce, lending his time and expertise to several workforce development initiatives in the area. Black works with Quick Start at Ogeechee Technical College to help in getting workers trained. He also participates on committees concerning preparing students for careers in the region, like “Pathways to Prosperity.” He has served on workforce committees, as well, comprised of local industry representatives, Georgia Southern, and county development authority leadership. Black believes well-trained workers can only benefit Statesboro and Bulloch County’s future. “We love it here, my wife, and my kids. The people here are very good to us,” said Black. “With Georgia

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Southern being the type of school it is with the new Manufacturing Engineering degree, and the Eagles – it’s a melting pot of sports, the arts, and industry. Not many communities have that great a quality of life and good public schools.” Black enjoys the area’s quality of life with wife, Lisa, a nurse at Brooklet Elementary; daughters Megan and Amanda, students at Georgia Southern; and daughter Savannah, a junior at Southeast Bulloch High School. The family likes to attend volleyball games at Georgia Southern and at SEB where Savannah plays. “We don’t miss a Georgia Southern volleyball game, or baseball – anything sporting. People laugh at me because I like to go to the Averitt Center or children’s plays or anything where people perform,” he said. Seeing others excel really is his favorite pastime. “Watching people do what they like to do is a whole different ballgame,” Black said, “I like people. I like to see them succeed.”

celebrates

N E M O W in

S S E N I S U B

19 • Statesboro Magazine ›› WOMEN in BUSINESS

Women in Business showcases a group of the area’s successful innovators, risk-takers, achievers, and pioneers – diverse in their accomplishments, similar in their excellence, and uniquely connected to each other through their service to the community. Highlighting these successful women continues Statesboro Magazine’s legacy of focusing a spotlight on women we know who through their leadership ability, community involvement, and servant attitude, are making a difference in our world. Our Women in Business are influential, individual, and firmly on the path to achieving their dreams and ambitions; these women define success in a way that’s inspirational. From pharmacy to accounting, from finance to real estate, they show us that anything is possible. As great role models, our Women in Business lead the way in demonstrating how to achieve both personal and professional fulfillment in our own lives. While their lives may seem exceptional, each of the women profiled here have designed lives that work for them. These highly accomplished women have selected their own paths and are creating their own rules for mastering a satisfying and rewarding career.

P rofessional W omen

S tatesboro

PO Box 246 | Statesboro GA 30459 | pwofstatesboro@gmail.com | Year Founded: 1989 Website: www.facebook.com/ProfessionalWomenOfStatesboro About the Organization Professional Women of Statesboro (PWS) recognizes members’ achievements in the community, builds a strong network of professional contacts and continues growth through education. PWS has approximately fifty members, including entrepreneurs, financial and insurance professionals, attorneys, education professionals and small business owners.

Tools of the Trade Monthly lunch meetings featuring guest speakers who provide professional development and community education opportunities; quarterly networking happy hours.

Our Mission is To promote a spirit of cooperation and understanding among members; to provide a strong network of professional contacts; to contribute to the mutual education and encouragement of members; and to achieve recognition of the contribution of women to the community.

PHILANTHROPY PWS members actively participate in quarterly charitable projects, including gathering school supplies for the annual “Fill the Bus” effort and organizing stocking stuffers for Safe Haven children at Christmas. PWS also contributes financially to several worthy community organizations. In 2013, PWS provided monetary donations to the Open Hearts & Hand Clinic, Court Appointed Special Advocates and the Averitt Center for the Arts.

Scholarship Each year, PWS awards $2,500 in scholarships to two deserving young women seeking to further their education at Ogeechee Technical College, East Georgia College and/or Georgia Southern University.

Member Honors / Awards • Tina Banks’ business Kidovations became nationally accredited in April 2013 and was recognized as a Quality Rated learning center in November 2014. • Kathy Bradley is a published author and recipient of the Roger K. Warlick Local History Achievement Award from the Georgia Historical Society.

20 • Statesboro Magazine ›› WOMEN in BUSINESS

• Leslie Cushner was named one of The Statesboro Herald’s “Twenty Under 40” for 2014. • Sharri Edenfield is State President for the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia and was recognized as a “Super Lawyer Rising Star” in Atlanta Magazine. • Mandy Edwards was named one of The Statesboro Herald’s “Twenty Under 40” for 2013 and one of Onalytica’s top 200 B2B Marketers for 2014. • Niki Guarino was named 2013 Exchangite of the Year and is the 2014 Exchange Club president. • Laura Lanier received the University of Georgia Alumni Association’s “Bulldog 100 Award” in 2013. • America Minc served as the campus co-chair for Georgia Southern University’s 2013 “A Day for Southern.” • Jennifer Mock is the State Treasurer of the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia. She was recently named one of the Georgia Southern University Alumni Association’s “Forty Under 40” and one of Georgia Trend’s 2014 “Legal Elite”. • Theresa Novotny was named the Averitt Center for the Arts’ 2013 Bonnie Baker Volunteer of the Year. • Suzanne Tatum received the designation of Certified Protocol Officer from the Protocol School of Washington. • Valerie Thompson was named one of The Statesboro Herald’s “Twenty Under 40” for 2014. • Daphne Jarriel Totten received the Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Award in 2013 and co-chaired the 2014 Statesboro Service League Attic Sale. • Laura Wheaton was named the Secretary of the Averitt Center for the Arts Board of Directors. • In addition, many of our members are active in Leadership Bulloch and Leadership Southeast GA, participate in Safe Haven’s Dancing with the Stars, have been awarded professional certifications and are enrolled in or recently graduated from post-graduate programs.

J anine D odds , M.D. East Georgia Radiology | Statesboro Imaging Center 8 Lester Road | Statesboro, GA 30458 (912) 764-5656 | www.egradiology.com PROFESSION Radiologist, Director of Women’s Imaging ABOUT THE BUSINESS Dr. Janine Dodds and her husband, Dr. Colin Dodds, joined East Georgia Radiology in September 2008. East Georgia Radiology is primarily a hospital-based radiology group, providing radiologic services to EGRMC, Statesboro Imaging Center, Effingham Hospital and Imaging Centers, local physicians, and Georgia Southern University. The group utilizes the most state of the art imaging equipment in the area and has the professional expertise necessary to provide fast and highly accurate results. Whatever location you choose, know you will be in the best of hands.

THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED WAS Never lack a passion for excellence. Be irreplaceable.

IN MY SPARE TIME AND TO RELAX, I ENJOY Gardening, cooking, and playing tennis. I started playing piano again after a 20 year hiatus. I have recently learned to preserve my own fruits and vegetables, which I really love.

I STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY I am an original board member of the Statesboro-Bulloch County Breast Cancer Foundation. I also serve on the Advisory Board of Ogeechee Technical College as the Physician Advisor of their Ultrasound program. I am a member of the Statesboro Service League and work with a variety of different community projects through it. My family and I are members of Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church.

MY BIGGEST STRENGTH IS My ability to stay calm. Keeping calm puts you in a better state of mind to make the right decisions.

MY BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IS Definitely my family! I have an amazing, brilliant husband. Ditto for my son!

M andy E dwards ME Marketing Services 912.481.1683 | www.memarketingservices.com PROFESSION Social Media Strategist About the Business ME Marketing Services has been in business 3 ½ years and is a social marketing firm helping businesses market themselves online. Services include media marketing consulting, management, and training. Website design services available, as well.

My Honors and Awards include Statesboro Herald Top 20 Under 40 in 2013 and Top 200 B2B Marketers by Onalytica.

My mission is To help businesses understand social media and how they can take advantage of it to further market their business and reach their customers.

The best business advice I ever received was It’s okay to fail. If you do, learn from it and move on.

I stay involved in the community by Being involved in my daughters’ school, being active in my church and finding ways to give back through various charities.

Word of wisdom I would offer to other women in business Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and go after your dreams. It’s hard but it’s worth it in the end.

My biggest accomplishment is Being mentioned in a Forbes article and being interviewed on the Huffington Post.

My real job title is MomWifeBusinessOwnerHousekeeperCook.

WOMEN in BUSINESS ‹‹ January/February 2015 • 21

J anie M c C ook , R.P h . McCook’s Pharmacy | 23630 US Hwy 80 East | Statesboro 912.764.2223 | www.mccookspharmacy.com PROFESSION Registered Pharmacist My mission is To treat all of our customers like family. My number one goal for our pharmacy is customer service, and we strive to be a full service pharmacy for our customers and community who we appreciate so much.

My biggest strength is Helping people to feel comfortable. I love being a pharmacist and business co-owner and when anything new or innovative comes along, we reach for it so we can better serve our community.

I strive to do my best by Serving others. A typical workday Is always different! My job involves doing a little bit of everything. Some days I may be simultaneously filling prescriptions, bookkeeping & looking for those unique items to add to our gift shop.

I stay involved in the community by Being an avid supporter of the Averitt Center & other non-profit organizations such as Safe Haven, recreation sport teams and the Silver Lining Club. As a small business owner, I feel blessed that we can reach out to help charities and organizations in our community who have particular needs.

My go-to power suit is My lab coat and extra comfy shoes. The biggest lesson I’ve learned Is to treat others as you would like to be treated. It may be a very old and commonly used expression, but I find it to be so true.

Currently I’m working on Preparing for our first grandchild. He will make his debut in April of 2015 and we could not be more excited!

A my K itching , D.C. Southern Chiropractic 2 Ed Moore Court, Suite A | Statesboro, GA 30458 912.243.9200 | www.southernchirodc.com PROFESSION Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine My mission is Helping people learn all about what chiropractic care is and what we do. I learned from my grandfather and father, both chiropractors, and had the privilege of growing up under great chiropractic care. I enjoy helping others find health, healing and wellness.

What sets me apart Is that I am a 3rd generation chiropractor. I also have a strong operating philosophy and believe that this is what helps me to assist my patients in achieving long-term health.

I strive to do my best by Serving others. My biggest accomplishment was Treating a four-year-old with chronic ear infections. He had already undergone surgery twice for ear tubes and was set to have a third set put in. His mother was so worried about him and hesitant to put him through another surgery. He had also developed a speech impediment because he was unable to hear for so long. After three chiropractic treatments, he was ear infection free and did not have to undergo another surgery.

When I’m not in the office, I Love to sew. I make all the costumes for the Statesboro High School theater department. I also enjoy gardening.

My real job title is Health & wellness coach.

22 • Statesboro Magazine ›› WOMEN in BUSINESS

M eghan M c G overn , M.D. Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery 1290 Merchant Way | Statesboro, GA 30458 912.681.7793 | www.CoastalEmpirePlasticSurgery.com

PROFESSION Medical Doctor and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

ABOUT THE BUSINESS We perform surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation and body contouring services.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE My services include both surgical and non-surgical procedures. Many require no down time so you are back on your feet, looking and feeling great in no time!

MY MISSION IS To help people put their best selves forward and make them feel more comfortable in their own skin so they can achieve their dreams.

I RELAX BY Sitting on the back porch with my children. A TYPICAL WORKDAY What’s that?! Every day is different, that’s what keeps it fun.

MY GO-TO POWER SUIT IS My scrubs. WORDS OF WISDOM I WOULD OFFER OTHER WOMEN IN BUSINESS Stay true to yourself, there is no “one way” to do things.

WHAT SETS ME APART IS That I understand where many of my patients are coming from, because I have been there too.

I LEAD BY Example. I put my all into what I do and I try to become better every day.

MY BIGGEST accomplishment IS My children!

I STRIVE TO DO MY BEST BY Understanding what my patients are seeking and helping them reach realistic goals.

MY MOTTO IS Helping my patients become a “Fab new me!”

CURRENTLY I’M WORKING ON A website with real testimonial videos by my actual patients at www.fabnew.me.

WOMEN in BUSINESS ‹‹ January/February 2015 • 23

E lizabeth P enn , M.D., P.C. 16741 GA Hwy 67 South (Fair Road) | Statesboro, GA 30458 912.871.KIDS (5437) | www.drpennpediatrics.com PROFESSION Board Certified Pediatrician HONORS/AWARDS American Board of Pediatrics, Board Certified; American Academy of Pediatrics, Fellow; National Health Service Corp, Medical School Scholarship

YEARS IN BUSINESS Almost three. My mission is To care for each child as if they are my own. The best business advice I ever received was “ Love what you do, and excellence will follow.”

I relax by Exercising and spending time with family. A typical workday Consists of hospital and nursery rounds after dropping the kids off at school. I then see patients in the office and return to the hospital in the late afternoon and evening.

I stay involved in the community through My children’s activities at school and attending church.

My biggest strength is Listening. You would never guess, but I speak Russian and studied Foreign Service.

I strive to do my best by Staying compassionate and thorough in my work.

My real job title “Doctor Mom”

A shley H ines E llis Blount, Burke, Wimberly and Hendricks Insurers 1100 Brampton Avenue, Suite M | Statesboro, GA 30458 912.764.9602 PROFESSION Executive Vice President; Blount, Burke, Wimberly and Hendricks Insurers

YEARS IN BUSINESS BBWH Insurers began in 1888 and I have been in the insurance business over 20 years.

WORDS OF WIDSOM TO OFFER OTHER WOMEN IN BUSINESS Work hard and be good at what you do. Work with people that appreciate your talents and abilities regardless of your gender. I’ve been blessed to have business partners that respect me for my hard work.

HONORS & AWARDS Deen Day Smith Recipient, 2002; 2nd female ever to be elected to serve as Chairman of Young Agents of Georgia, 2003; Business & Professional Young Careerist Winner for Georgia and National Spirit Award Winner, 2001; Volunteer of the Year for Statesboro Convention & Visitors Bureau; Statesboro Herald Top 20 under 40, 2010

ABOUT THE BUSINESS We are an independent insurance agency offering our clients coverage for Personal & Commercial Property, Casualty, and Life & Health.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE Always be honest and make the best decision for your client. Plan ahead and follow through. Provide the best coverage suited for each client, always working hard to protect them from risk.

MY MISSION IS To make a difference! I’d like to think that my efforts make even a small difference in the lives of others from my children, work, church and community.

24 • Statesboro Magazine ›› WOMEN in BUSINESS

P at H irsch , B roker

and

O wner

ERA Hirsch Real Estate Team | 408 South Zetterower Ave. | Statesboro, GA 30458 912.764.6774 | www.YourStatesboroHome.com ERA Hirsch Real Estate Team Women in Business (L-R): Pat Hirsch, Mandy Lane, Joann Hammond, Holly Brannen, Renee Kalloniatis, Paige Jackson, Stephanie Kennedy, and Vada Hunter YEARS IN BUSINESS 25 years. TOOLS OF THE TRADE Expert training, knowledge of the market, client base, top notch current media marketing, Realtor products, inventory.

Our Mission is To offer unparalleled customer service in an ethical forward thinking manner. To treat others like we want to be treated and be honest and trustworthy.

THE BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED WAS Work like you own the business, even when you don’t.

MY GO-TO POWER SUIT IS ERA Career apparel in navy and red. WORDS OF WISDOM I WOULD OFFER OTHER WOMEN IN BUSINESS Is to respect yourself, have confidence, and believe in your ability to achieve what you want.

YOU WOULD NEVER GUESS, BUT ERA stands for Electronic Realty Associates.

MY BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IS Keeping the ERA Team in the Top 100 in the ERA Franchise System, being featured on HGTV. com, and Wall Street Journal Top Real Estate professionals.

MY MOTTO IS To give customers more than they expect and to be there after the deal closes.

CURRENTLY I’M WORKING ON New ERA Branding, Logo changes, and company name change.

A TYPICAL WORKDAY Customer phone calls, showing appointments, writing offers and negotiating contracts, and closing deals

WE STRIVE TO DO OUR BEST BY Always putting the customer first and really listening to their needs.

WE LEAD BY Example! THE BIGGEST LESSON I’VE LEARNED Patience.

WHAT SETS ME APART IS A proven track record and years of experience.

WOMEN in BUSINESS ‹‹ January/February 2015 • 25

R ani R eddy , M.D. | Y vonne D onaldson , MSN, FNP-C T ristia K night , MSN, FNP-C | S heena U rdaz , PA-C Candler Internal Medicine | 106 Briarwood Rd. | Statesboro, GA 30458 (Behind St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, corner of Hwy 67 & Veteran’s Pkwy) 912.871.5000 | www.internalmedicinestatesboro.com WHO WE ARE We are an Internal Medicine office that strives to make

A TYPICAL WORKDAY FOR US Begins with a quick staff meeting

our patients healthier & happier. Disease prevention is our main strategy.

to plan the day. We then take care of our patients all day until the

OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE ARE Compassion, care, concern, encouragement, patience & perseverance.

Our Mission is To contribute to the health & well-being of the Statesboro residents who have put their trust in us and provide the best care to every patient through integrated clinical practice. We strive to offer a one-stop health maintenance and treatment facility.

WHAT WE DO Candler Internal Medicine provides a full range of primary care services for adults including preventative care and yearly physicals. Our medical services include the care and treatment of Men & Women’s Health, School Physicals, Diabetes Management, Hypertension Care, Cholesterol Checks & Management, Thyroid Disorders, Abdominal Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Joint Injections, Flu Vaccines, In-Office Lab Test Services & more.

26 • Statesboro Magazine ›› WOMEN in BUSINESS

last ones leave. We now have four providers in our practice which enables us to see all of our patients in a timely manner and give them all the individualized attention that they deserve.

WE STAY INVOLVED IN THE STATESBORO COMMUNITY BY Working with students. We volunteer with precepting health care students including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pre-med students and medical students. We also participate in charity medical work in health fairs throughout Georgia.

OUR WORDS OF WISDOM Learn to manage your stress. Maneuver around obstacles and continue to push forward. Your health & well-being depends on it!

Best Business Advice Trust yourself and persist!

T rish T ootle Farmers & Merchants Bank | 201 N. Main St. | Statesboro, GA 30458 912.489.2600 | www.fmbnk.com PROFESSION Senior Vice President, Farmers & Merchants Bank YEARS IN BUSINESS 27 DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS Farmers & Merchants Bank, a full-service bank since 1948, is the only remaining community bank in Bulloch County.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE Honesty, integrity, work ethic, excellent customer service, and dedication to our community.

MY MISSION IS To do my very best work and ensure that Farmers & Merchants Bank is the best bank in which to do business. I also strive to be my very best, invest in my community and encourage everyone else to be the best they can be as well.

HONORS/AWARDS American Business Women’s Association, Woman of the Year, 1996; Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Award, 2003; Humanitarian of the Year, 2013

I STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY Serving as president of the Ogeechee Area Hospice, president-elect of the Statesboro Kiwanis Club, a board member for Averitt Center for the Arts, children’s director at the Emit Grove Baptist Church, and Vacation Bible School director at Ogeechee River Baptist Association.

WHEN I’M NOT AT THE OFFICE I Serve as corporate sponsor recruitment chair for the American Cancer Society, am on the membership committee for the Statesboro Bulloch Chamber of Commerce, volunteer at the church or in the community, garden and spend time with family.

MY BIGGEST STRENGTH IS God-given energy, enthusiasm and love for people. THE BIGGEST LESSON I’VE LEARNED is to be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle!

H ayley M oore , CPA, CFE Glisson & Moore, PC | 100 Brampton Ave. Suite 2E Statesboro, GA 30458 | 912.681.2512 | www.GlissonMooreCpa.com PROFESSION Certified Public Accountant HONORS/AWARDS 2013 Top 20 Under 40 for Statesboro Herald and 20142015 Georgia Society of CPAs (GSCPA) Young CPA Advisory Council.

ABOUT THE BUSINESS We are a family owned, full-service public accounting firm. From tax returns, to monthly write-ups, payroll, and attestation engagements, we do it all. We also have a solid forensics accounting practice specializing in fraud investigation, interviews & interrogations, preparation of courts exhibits, litigation support and expert testimony.

YEARS IN BUSINESS 24+ years (I’ve been with the firm 3 years). MY BIGGEST STRENGTH IS Prioritizing. I’m very involved in the community and there’s always a lot at work, so I have to make sure everything gets done in a timely manner, especially when there is a deadline.

WHAT SETS ME APART IS I’m not your typical CPA. I’m actually also a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and I work with attorneys as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement officers on financial fraud cases.

Word of wisdom I would offer to other women in business You have to take risks. If you’re not satisfied with the direction of your career, figure out what needs to change, and do what you can to make it happen. It may be scary, but you seldom have rewards without risks.

YOU WOULD NEVER GUESS, BUT I’m a pretty talented artist. I can paint, draw, sketch and sculpt. It runs in the family.

WOMEN in BUSINESS ‹‹ January/February 2015 • 27

L isa R ogers , M.D. & B arbara W illiams , D.O. Statesboro OB/GYN Specialists 1523 Fair Road Statesboro, GA 30458 912-871-2000 www.statesboroobgyn.com PROFESSION OB/GYN Specialists ABOUT THE BUSINESS The physicians,

nurses, and staff of Statesboro OB/GYN Specialists are committed to providing exceptional care to the women of southeast Georgia, in a warm, compassionate, and respectful manner. All of our health care providers are board certified in their respective fields and are dedicated to keeping up to date with the ever growing knowledge base of medicine in general and women’s health care in particular.

CONCENTRATION Advanced, comprehensive women’s health care, including gynecology, obstetrics and state-of-the-art surgery and treatments with minimal invasiveness.

OUR BIGGEST PASSION IS Providing the best in women’s health care with a focus on individual patients’ comfort and wellbeing.

LISA ROGERS, MD, FACOG:

BARBARA WILLIAMS, DO, FACOG:

The area’s first female surgeon, Dr. Rogers has repeatedly received the Patient Physician Choice Award and been named Most Compassionate Doctor. She serves on the boards of the Hospital Authority and Ogeechee Technical College, and was previously a trustee of East Georgia Regional Medical Center, where she chaired the OB/ GYN department and was medical chief of staff. Her philosophy: “It’s not what you have that defines you, but the people’s lives you change along the way.”

Dr. Williams, a graduate of Georgia Southern University and Metter High School, earned her medical degree from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, where she received the American Medical Women’s Association Glasgow Memorial Achievement Award. She completed her OB/GYN residency at Atlanta Medical Center and practiced in Douglas and Claxton prior to joining the staff of East Georgia Regional Medical Center in 2009. She strives to “treat others as I would like to be treated.”

Thank you for placing an ad with Statesboro Magazine. Below is your proof. Please check it closely and let us know right away if there are any changes needed. * A watermark will appear over the ad when printing. *

Who are Statesboro Magazine’s Fabulous Favorites? We want to know! Cast your vote today and find out in the March/April Issue of Statesboro Magazine!

VOTING DEADLINE: JAN. 19TH Print Ballots may be submitted to the Statesboro Magazine office in two ways: 1. Mail In – Please complete the ballot, fold and mail in a stamped envelope to: Statesboro Magazine P.O. Box 1084 | Statesboro, GA 30459 2. Drop Off – Please drop off the completed ballot to the Statesboro Magazine office, open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Statesboro Magazine 16 Simmons Center | Statesboro, Georgia

Cast your vote online at www.StatesboroMagazine.com

28 • Statesboro Magazine ›› WOMEN in BUSINESS

Insta

Take an active step into the New Year and achieve the healthiest you! Statesboro Magazine’s Active section is the official guide to shaping up in 2015, featuring the best healthy lifestyle venues Bulloch County has to offer. From ways to shape up with friends, to clean eating options; a showcase of walking trails to weekend fitness activities, learn how to recharge your life and kick start your healthy living campaign.

statesboro

Active ‹‹ January/February 2015 • 29

Lose up to 20 POUNDS the first month!

KNOCKING DOWN

MORE than just weight. Medi-Weightloss速 is a physician-supervised weight loss program that works. Our Experts give you the support, education, and tools you need to help you lose weight and keep it off.

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Shape Up With Friends

Get in shape and stay in shape this year! Working towards fitness goals is always easier with the support of friends and the guidance of professionals. Statesboro has exercise facilities for all fitness levels with many offering on-hand personal trainers and dietitians to help you reach your target goal. Area medical weight loss professionals can assist in advance treatment for a successful healthy lifestyle change. If you prefer socializing while staying in shape, cycling clubs like Southern Cyclist and the Statesboro Pacers welcome new members.

MEDI Weightloss Clinic

This structured program created from an individual evaluation of each patient is the key to the success of MEDI Weightloss Clinic. Through the support and encouragement of trained physicians, along with their 5 Keys to success, learn how to positively change your lifestyle and achieve long-term weight loss. To begin transitioning to a healthier lifestyle call 912-681-6334 or visit www.mediweightloss.com.

N Shape Fitness Center

The 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week fitness center caters to the busy lifestyles of professionals. The state-of-the-art private facility promotes limited membership, ensuring members never have to wait for a machine, or rush through a workout. In addition, the center provides excellent amenities including free tanning, Aqua Massage beds to relax sore muscles, group fitness classes, and a comfortable atmosphere to inspire fitness. Optimize results and surpass fitness goals with the help of the motivating staff and your personal trainer. To get N Shape visit www.nshapefitnesscenter.com or call 912-489-7115.

Clean Eating

Healthy, delicious, and straight from the farm. The weekly Farmer’s Market in Charlie Olliff Square and Hunter Cattle Company of Brooklet provide locally grown, fresh, and organic food to the area. Weight loss begins in the kitchen with delicious products that please taste buds while supporting local farmers. Restaurants around town are joining the health movement by providing gluten free and healthier menu choices. Grocery stores shelves are stocked with organic produce. Readers can accelerate weight loss with vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements from local nutrition retailers.

Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery

Improve your appearance with the help of the Board Certified plastic surgeons of Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery. The trained physicians use the most advanced surgical and non-surgical procedures to offer patients the most natural-looking results. Their great reputation of patient satisfaction comes from many years of experience and emphasis on delivering the best results. The range of procedures offered by Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery provides many options. For more information or to request a consultation visit www.CoastalEmpirePlasticSurgery.com or call 912-920-2090. Active ‹‹ January/February 2015 • 31

Mill Creek Regional Park

Spend the weekend at Mill Creek Park and enjoy 155 acres of parkland, 15 baseball/ softball fields, 7 soccer/football fields, 10 tennis courts, 2 playgrounds, a 1.25-mile walking trail with exercise stations, 9 picnic pavilions, and 1 beautiful lake. Located on Highway 24 East just off the bypass in Statesboro, there are plenty of active things to do! Visit www.bullochrec. com or call 912-764-5637 for facility information and pavilion rentals.

S & S Greenway

The original route tracing the Savannah & Statesboro Railway is now a scenic trail along 2-miles of dense woodlands. Enjoy walking, running, or biking along the pet-friendly path. The Statesboro-Bulloch County Parks and Recreation Department is working to extend the development of this greenway, visit www.bullochrec.com for development plans, or call 912-764-5637.

Brooklet Park

Brooklet Park has over 10 acres of parkland, 2 lighted baseball/softball fields, 2 tennis courts, 1 playground, 2 outdoor basketball courts, 6 individual picnic sites, 1 picnic pavilion, 2 public restrooms, and a community building. Visit www.bullochrec.com or call 912-764-5637 for rental information.

Stilson Park

Portal Park

Spend the day or evening at Stilson Park and enjoy 18 acres of parkland, 2 lighted baseFeaturing a community building surrounded ball/softball fields, 1 lighted soccer/football by 6 ½ acres of parkland, Portal Park has 3 field, 1 playground, a ½ mile walking trail, baseball/softball fields, 2 soccer/football 1 picnic pavilion, 2 public restrooms, and 1 fields, 2 tennis courts, 3 outdoor basketball community building. Call 912-764-5637 or courts, and 2 public restroom areas. Check visit www.bullochrec.com for pavilion rentals out the park guide at www.bullochrec.com Thank you for placing an ad with Statesboro Magazine. Below and park information. for more information or call 912-764-5637.

Memorial Park

The only park featuring a Senior Citizen Center, Memorial Park offers over 12 acres of parkland, 3 baseball/softball fields, lighted Jaycees & Memorial fields, Sue Oertley tennis courts, 4 lighted courts, 1 playground, 6 individual picnic sites, 1 picnic pavilion, and a community room. Also home to the Statesboro-Bulloch County Parks and Recreation Department Administrative offices. For more information visit www.bullochrec.com or call is your proof. 912-764-5637.

Please check it closely and let us know right away if there are any changes needed. * A watermark will appear over the ad when printing. *

2015... A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU!

Bikeshop and Multisport

912.681.2453

607 Brannen Street, Suite #1 Statesboro, Georgia (Next to Heavenly Ham)

www.sbrboro.com OWNER, DON BOROWSKI 32 • Statesboro Magazine ›› Active

Horse Back Riding

Whether you want to ride English or Western saddle, get started with the basics of good riding skills. You can gain so much from riding lessons, including patience, compassion, responsibility, sportsmanship, and pure enjoyment of the outdoors. Lessons are for beginners to intermediate levels. Riders must be 5 to 18-years-old. Helmet and tack will be provided. Make sure to wear something comfortable, preferably jeans or pants and closed-toed shoes (boots or tennis shoes). Riders will be assigned a 45-minute time slot, one-day-a-week during the session. Held at Fletcher Park on Lakeview Road. January 12- February 27 (Six week program- No lessons during the week of Feb 16-20 due to school Winter Break) $100 for 4-week session; $150 for 6-week session For more information, call Alison Brown at 912-764-5637 or email at brown@bullochrec. com.

Splash in the Boro

Weekend Fitness

Recharge your life

Unwind from the weekly chaos and pamper With the only double FlowRider in GeorWorking out doesn’t have to yourself with a trip to one of the local spas gia and heated pools under the dome! be a chore! Calorie burning for a detox treatment, muscular pain therapy Located inside Mill Creek Park it feais endless with all the outdoor session, skin exfoliation treatment, or a retures a 5-lane Mat Racer, a large Spray adventures Statesboro has to storing body wrap. Between personalized Pad and slide for toddlers, 3 large tube offer. Spend your weekends massages, Swedish and deep tissue masslides, a lazy river, and Aqua Fitness walking through the scenic sages, or a hot stone massage the true chalall year long. The area’s largest water Georgia Southern Botanical lenge will be not getting them all! Show off park, great for weekend leisure or recreGardens, swimming and slidhow great you feel on the inside by rejuveational activity. For park hours, season ing at Splash in the Boro, golfnating the new healthier you with advanced passes, special events, or attractions ing into the sunset, or kayaking medical procedures offered by Board Certivisit www.splashintheboro.com or call the untouched nature of the Thank you for placing an ad with Statesboro Magazine. Below isfied your proof. and experienced plastic surgeons. 912-489-3000. River. Please check it closely and let usOgeechee know right away if there are any changes needed. * A watermark will appear over the ad when printing. *

Active ‹‹ January/February 2015 • 33

Hit the Statesboro Trails

Enjoy the simple pleasures of the outdoors while getting into shape – breathe the fresh air during a walk along one of Statesboro’s scenic trails. Create a stress outlet by strolling along the S & S Greenway, Georgia Southern’s Sweetheart Circle, the Blind Willie McTell Trail, or Mill Creek Regional Park’s walking path. Take off on foot during lunch and explore downtown while learning about the area’s rich history during a Bulloch County Historical Society Walking Tour.

Ogeechee Canoe-Kayak Trail

A Bulloch County outdoor river access and paddling opportunity unlike anything else you have experienced! River Trip Options: Rocky Ford Landing to 301 Bridge River Mileage: 13.2 Shuttle Mileage: 17 This is a good half-day and a little more trip, best run when the river is flowing well. The river takes many turns before getting to Lakeview Road where there is a private landing. After reaching Lakeview, it is a straight channel from there to 301. Once getting to 301, take a right between the two bridges and make way to the take out point. 301 to Williams Landing River Mileage: 6.2 Shuttle Mileage: 7 This trip can start out a little tricky, from the boat ramp it is necessary to go between the two bridges to find the main run of the river. Once there, it is a navigable trip to Williams Landing with many twists and turns. Williams Landing to Oliver Bridge River Mileage: 9 Shuttle Mileage: 10 This trip starts out pretty simple as the ramp allows access straight to the main run of the river. This trip can be combined with the 301 run. It offers many scenic views, high bluffs, and wildlife. 24 Bridge to Steel Bridge River Mileage: 25.2 This trip is a hard full day trip, but it is also an excellent opportunity for an overnight camping trip. Steel Bridge to HWY 80 River Mileage: 12 Shuttle Mileage: 10 Great half-day trip. Be very careful, following the run of the river because it can be a little tricky. It would be very easy to end up in a lake with a tough return to the main run. Parking does carry a small fee. For more information on a trip down the Ogeechee visit www. bullochrec.com or contact Melissa Petitjean at 912-489-9077 or by email at mpetitjean@ bullochrec.com.

34 • Statesboro Magazine ›› Active

Upcoming 5K’s

Sign up for a race, start training now, and show off your fitness talent. For all the long hours of training and meal prepping, each week is worth the effort when you find yourself crossing that finish line. Support a good cause and give yourself the gift of health this New Year! Bulloch County 5Ks February 21st, 2015: 3rd Annual 5K Chocolate Run Statesboro’s sweetest race benefiting the Open Hearts Community Mission, aiding the homeless of Statesboro and Bulloch County. Run or walk through beautiful downtown and indulge in some sweet treats along the way. For more information visit www.active.com. March 7th, 2015: Soul Shine 5K Beginner, intermediate, and advanced level runners are welcome to raise awareness and help children with disabilities in Georgia SHINE and benefit the Parent to Parent of Georgia. For more information, visit www.active.com. March 28th, 2015: 2015 Pink Power Run This 5K is hosted by the Statesboro-Bulloch County Breast Cancer Foundation to raise money and help breast cancer patients and survivors of the community. For more information, visit www.pinkpowerrun.com or www.statesboropinkpower.org. April 17th, 2015: Light up the Night 5K Join the Public Health Student Association of Georgia Southern and Team Irelynn to raise awareness for the Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation. The timed race and fun run with glow sticks will begin at sunset at the RAC. For more information, visit www.active.com. August 2015: 15th Annual Brooklet 5K Peanut Run This 5K is held to benefit Southeast Bulloch High School Cross Country and track teams. Registration packet and more information can be found on www.brookletpeanutfestival.com.

“Swim.Bike.Run Statesboro, where endurance sports isn’t just a business, or a passion, but a lifestyle.”

Swim.Bike.Run (SBR) is the area’s comprehensive resource for the athletic lifestyle. An enthusiastic staff provides elite apparel, equipment and expertise for the active sports participant. Team SBR is passionate about motivating you to optimize fitness goals, from individualized coaching to weekly group rides and runs. If your goal for 2015 is running a 5K, losing weight, or entering an Ironman competition, the expert trainers at SBR will get you moving on the road to fitness! www.sbrboro.com .

Your Your Success is our goal. The City of Statesboro uses an innovative approach to doing business! We partner with private, public, and non-profit entities on retail strategies and development to recruit, retain,and expand local business with programs such as Right Start, the GSU Entrepreneurial Zone FabLab, and by redeveloping areas with Tax Allocation District (TAD) funds.

912.764.5468 | www.STATESBOROGA.net 36 â&#x20AC;˘ Statesboro Magazine

City

MAYOR: Jan J. Moore CITY COUNCIL: Phil Boyum Will Britt Travis Chance Gary Lewis John Riggs CITY MANAGER: Robert Cheshire DEPARTMENTS: Public Safety Water/Sewer Wastewater Natural Gas Administration Engineering/Public Works Finance IT Legal Planning & Development Municipal Court City Clerk

50 EAST MAIN STREET | STATESBORO, GA 30458 January/February 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 37

An Innovative

Future For yOur CITY Written by Jenny Starling Foss Photography by Frank Fortune

Statesboro is becoming proactive in attracting business to the area with new ways of addressing the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retail development and downtown revitalization strategies. The City has become one of the first of its size to recognize the benefits of an innovative approach in attracting new businesses and in marketing Statesboro properties to retail developers. Always considered progressive for a city of its size, Statesboroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mayor and 38 â&#x20AC;˘ Statesboro Magazine

city officials have given the Office of Planning & Development the tools needed for identifying local entrepreneurial opportunities and for assisting existing businesses in better understanding their potential. The community is using several new strategies, and forming important partnerships, in an effort to optimize the economic and community development of the area.

Retail Strategies In 2013, the City of Statesboro engaged a Birmingham, AL, based retail development company, Retail Strategies, to assist their efforts in pro-actively recruiting retailers. As part of the Retail Strategies process, a market analysis is completed, a strategic plan is created, and retail recruitment begins facilitated by Retail Strategies. For three years the company will partner with Statesboro and keep a current and active inventory of commercial properties available for sale or lease. Retail Strategies will also promote the properties to developers nationwide through marketing materials they develop, through their website, and through networking at industry events like the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). In addition, the information that Retail Strategies collects, from constantly updating market analyses, can be used by existing retail businesses for expansion and by the City of Statesboro as a retention tool. One of the important factors hindering retail development that was uncovered by Retail Strategies during the market analysis was the student population of Georgia Southern had not been a focus of past research and recruitment initiatives. By incorporating the 21,000 student’s spending potential with a regional trade area focus, Retail Strategies identified a substantial grocery store GAP in Statesboro’s market and reached out to multiple grocery concepts at ICSC meetings, and through follow-up phone calls. “In June of 2014, WMT announced and began construction of a new Neighborhood Market near the GS campus that will also serve the greater Statesboro population. At least one and possibly two additional national grocery chains we targeted are expected to announce expansion plans in Statesboro in the coming months.” - Retail Strategies

When community developers Andy Burns and Doug Lambert were approached about building a Walmart Neighborhood Market, one of their first concerns was protecting the architectural integrity of the Market District. A planned development, the Market District’s covenants included a requirement for all new developments to be reviewed by an Architectural Review Committee (ARC). Early during the project the ARC developed a set of guidelines to assure a coordinated project. According to Lambert, “The Wal-Mart Neighborhood grocery store was developed by the Hutton Company who submitted a basic Wal-Mart plan to the ARC for approval. The ARC requested a number of changes to make the building more compatible with existing Market District buildings. These changes included different colors, the addition of stacked stone, landscaping, lighting and architectural enhancements such as Bahaman shutters, accent windows and changes in building materials. “The result is an attractive building that blends with the rest of the development. These improvements all had to be negotiated because the increased cost of the building affected the Wal-Mart lease factor. In the end, Statesboro will enjoy a new grocery store that is architecturally superior to similar stores in other cities.”

WALMART Neighborhood Market

Andy Burns added, “Throughout the 11 years we have owned this property, our goal for Market District was to have this 11 acre front site developed as retail, preferably a grocery anchored center. During this time we had multiple inquiries from residential and professional prospects but we continued to hold out for retail because we felt this would bring in more traffic to the center in order to support the other folks who had bought and developed property in Market District. “While we were not allowed to discuss it at the time, this site was very seriously considered by Publix, but they were not quite ready to come back to Statesboro, and by Kroger, but our site was not large enough for them. “With no chance of having either of these two grocery chains coming to Market District, we

continued to search for a grocery company interested in the site who could fit their concept on this property. When The Market Place concept came along, we did our research and found they were looking for space to build a “neighborhood” grocery store (one of ten new Market Place stores to open in Georgia in December 2014), in order to compete with Bi-Lo and Publix grocery stores. “We were told they would be attracting about 4,000 additional cars per day into Market District and creating 95 new jobs. Their completed project would add $18-million to the Statesboro/Bulloch County property tax digest, generate sales tax revenues on about $30-million in grocery sales, (much of which is currently being purchased outside of Bulloch County), and facilitate the installation of a new red light at Brampton and Fair Road. The developer, Hutton Company, enthusiastically agreed to all of our requested architectural upgrades and promised to be open within six months. Since there has not been a new grocery store to open in Statesboro in over 20 years, and the most likely other prospects were not interested in this site, we felt this new concept would be the highest and best use of the property we had available in the Market District.” The new store at Fair Road and Brampton Avenue is one of 500 of the smaller stores Wal-Mart plans to open in a marketing strategy announced last year by Bill Simon, Wal-Mart’s president and CEO of U.S. operations. The new 41,000 square foot store features fresh produce and groceries, a deli, bakery, drive through pharmacy, some household items, and a gas station. It employs about 95 people. The store is part of a $14 million shopping center developed by Hutton Company of Chattanooga, TN. January/February 2015 • 39

Right Start Right Start meetings are informal gatherings with the City of Statesboro’s staff to discuss future land development projects. The meetings are the first step in the development process for a developer or builder. The program is intended to streamline projects by reviewing concepts and identifying potential problems or concerns before significant time has been committed to the design of the potential business. Another goal of Right Start is to eliminate avoidable delays in construction due to those concerns. A potential developer can get a head start by meeting with the City’s Engi-

Tax Allocation Districts The passing of the Redevelopment Powers Act by City of Statesboro voters authorizes the local government to form one or more TAD districts. The City must adopt a map designating TAD boundaries and prepare a Redevelopment Plan to act as the business plan for the operation of the district. A taxable value is certified as the base value of the district and any tax revenue collected from improvements to the property goes into a fund set aside for improvements to blighted areas or to incentivize projects. TADs are often used to help pay for demoli40 • January/February 2015

Right Start meetings are held by the neering, Planning and Development, Public Works, Water/Waste Water, Natural Gas, City’s Planning and Development Departand Fire Departments all at once to review ment every Thursday afternoon beginning project plans. All of the stakeholders in the at 1:30 p.m. in the Development Annex development process are welcome at the (adjacent to City Hall) at 58-A East Main Right Start table. Those may include archi- Street. Participation in Right Start is tects, engineers, developers, and individual not mandatory for a new development or project, but it is very advantageous to use property owners. “Our goal is for prospects to walk out of the process and the City strongly encourthe meeting knowing every member of the ages customers to attend. Those designing a new residential or City’s team. We also assign each project a manager to coordinate between the devel- commercial development, getting ready to oper and the City during construction. We add on to or expand an existing business, or want the developer’s project to be completely contemplating a development project will vetted when he leaves our meeting,” stated benefit from a Right Start Meeting with the City of Statesboro development staff. City Planner Mandi Cody.

Examples of developments that would benefit from a Right Start Meeting • Major and minor subdivisions • Commercial developments • Residential developments • Major remodeling • Building expansions • Business start-ups • Retail developments

tion of existing older buildings, expensive water or sewer upgrades, parking structures, new roads, streetscape improvements, or other extra costs that otherwise make private redevelopment financially unfeasible. Once the TAD is created and the consent agreements are in place, the local government can then evaluate applications from private developers who wish to undertake redevelopment projects and access TAD funds to help defray project costs. If a local government agrees to contribute TAD funds to a project, the terms are negotiated in an agreement with the developer. The “development agreement” specifies the obligations and performance requirements of the developer in order to qualify to receive the funds, particularly if bonds are involved. As public improvements and private investment take place in a TAD, the taxable value of property increases. The city/county collects those revenues, putting the increase due to the new investment into special fund to pay off bonds or loans that financed the public improvements in the district. On December 16th Statesboro’s City Council unanimously approved the TAD

map presented by the Blakely Group and the redevelopment proposal for downtown Statesboro – including South Main Street and other areas of the city. The new plan states the goal for the TAD is “to encourage the private redevelopment of outmoded, highway oriented commercial development into pedestrian friendly, mixed use centers to achieve the vision set forth in the 2011 City of Statesboro Downtown Master Plan and the 2014 Comprehensive Plan.” The TAD becomes the first step in reclaiming and improving the visual appeal of South Main. As properties are developed and funds are available for improvements to sidewalks, for the creation of bike paths and green space, Statesboro’s growth in a positive direction is assured for the future. On December 16th Statesboro’s City Council unanimously approved the TAD map presented by the Blakely Group and the redevelopment proposal for downtown Statesboro

Another way the City is looking at attracting businesses downtown is by participating in a local committee of South Main Street business owners and community stake holders. The goal of the local committee is the revitalization of the South Main Street corridor between the main entrance to Georgia Southern and the Bulloch County Courthouse on U.S. Highway 301. Mayor Jan J. Moore has partnered with Georgia Southern President Brooks Keel, Ph.D.,

community. We are beginning to see redevelopment along South Main - the Statesboro Convention and Visitors Bureau and Southern Palace - and it looks like some momentum is gathering as the Tax Allocation District becomes a reality. It’s time for us as a community to recognize the true importance of a redeveloped South Main Street as an inviting, entertainment district for all ages.” The committee held public meetings seeking input and cooperation from businesses and property owners on South Main. Plans for a new streetscape and ideas for improvements to the area were compiled for

to focus the community on the importance of an attractive entrance to the downtown area. Mayor Moore stated, “If you ask someone what is the most beautiful image of Georgia Southern, almost without exception they mention the drive into Sweetheart Circle. I would like the entrance to our city - South Main - to be as beautiful and inviting as the road leading into Sweetheart Circle. There is never a second chance to make a first impression to a potential student and their family, to an industrial prospect, or to a visitor that may choose to bring their talents and energy to our

the committee by Santanu Majumbar, an assistant professor of graphic design in the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art at Georgia Southern. Ways to give incentives to property owners along South Main Street to improve their holdings are being developed by the City. With the encouragement of the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority and the Mayor and City Council, voters recently passed a Redevelopment Powers Act which authorizes Statesboro to create Tax Allocation Districts or TADs in the city.

The Blue Mile

The City Campus/ Fab Lab Another partnership with Georgia Southern and the City of Statesboro involves an extension of the University downtown. The Georgia Southern City Campus is a joint initiative between Georgia Southern, the City of Statesboro, and the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Bulloch County. The City Campus will contain a Business Incubator or Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab) to be used by entrepreneurs. The business innovator can aid in an idea becoming reality by producing a prototype in the lab with a 3D printer. Office space is available in the Incubator for use in the development of a business and marketing plan, along with the offices of the Small Business Development Center which can assist new business owners with obtaining loans or investors. When a business is ready to expand, it can move to one of Statesboro or Bulloch County’s business parks. The Fab Lab then becomes the “incubator” for new businesses from concept to marketplace. An innovative idea in planning for future business development for a community, the City Campus captures the synergy of students, faculty, and the community as Statesboro continues to grow.

January/February 2015 • 41

42 â&#x20AC;˘ Statesboro Magazine

We Belong! Dr. Brooks Keel’s First Five Years

Written by Jenny Starling Foss e belong!

We belong! shouted Georgia Southern President Brooks A. Keel, Ph.D. as he followed fans onto Glenn Bryant Field at Allen E. Paulson Stadium after the Eagles defeated the University of Louisiana Monroe in the last football game of the 2014 season to capture the Sun Belt Conference’s championship title. “We belong” in the same league as other Division 1 teams, a move up that characterizes the momentum Dr. Keel has created during his first five years as president. “The buzz across the country is much more than we thought,” he said. “No question, we couldn’t have paid for the

twelve minutes of exposure on ESPN to talk about the University’s research on concussions with football helmets. We were able to do that and air three commercials about what Georgia Southern has to offer a national audience.” The media exposure is just one benefit of Dr. Keel’s mission to move Georgia Southern forward. His overall plan to “transfer our brand from regional to national” includes athletics, academics, research, and economic development of the area. In preparation for moving up a division level in football, in the last five years, Dr. Keel has overseen an addition to

Allen E. Paulson stadium of 6,500 seats, expanding the capacity to 25,000, and the construction of a 50,000 sq. ft. Ted Smith Family Football Center. The new Ted Smith Family Football Center provides facilities for football coaches and staff, locker rooms for players, and meeting, weight, and rehabilitation rooms. A large portion of the cost of the expansions was covered by an enthusiastic student fan base that voted to raise activity fees for the stadium improvements and the move to the FBS, or Football Bowl Subdivision. Addressing the issue of football head injuries, Dr. Keel supported the

January/February 2015 • 43

expansion of research in brain concussions of student athletes through the Athletics Department and the Georgia Southern School of Kinesiology; research not only benefitting athletes nationally, but also raising Georgia Southern’s profile as a research institution. Along with the Department of Natural Resources and the City of Statesboro, Dr. Keel forged a partnership resulting in the construction of a $5.8 million Shooting Sports Education Center on the southwest edge of campus. It will become home to the recently formed Georgia Southern Women’s Rifle Team. Opening in 2013, the 167-acre Georgia Southern Golf Course “Is a fantastic venue!” according to Dr. Keel, “it was recently named one of the 100 Best New Courses in 2014 by Golf Digest.” Both the Shooting Sports Center and the Georgia Southern Golf Course are available for public use, with the potential to add to the local economy through the generation of tourism dollars from tournaments and other special events. During Dr. Keel’s tenure as president, the University has joined Mayor Jan Moore and community leaders in focusing on the visual appeal and the overall economic development of downtown Statesboro. “It benefits us all to have an attractive entrance to our city with curb appeal. I would like to see the iconic beauty of Sweetheart Circle carried off campus to add character and green space, plus pedestrian access to the downtown area,” Dr. Keel stated. Mayor Moore and Dr. Keel have titled the collaborative project the “Blue Mile,” which designates the area of South Main Street extending from Sweetheart Circle and the main entrance to Georgia Southern to the Bulloch County Courthouse. “An attractive corridor to downtown will serve as an enticement to go downtown for students and visitors,” he said. “This will be a huge benefit to all. People will come to shop, play, and dine.” Under Dr. Keel’s leadership, Georgia Southern Admissions and

44 • Statesboro Magazine

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the Athletics Department have partnered with the city to create special events in downtown Statesboro in support of the Eagles move to the FBS. Before the first football game in Paulson Stadium this year, a celebration was held downtown, “Paint the Town Blue,” with a contest for businesses showing the most school spirit and the best decorations. A festival was held on Thursday night featuring visits from team mascot GUS, the Georgia Southern Marching Band, cheerleaders, and football team members. The city and the University want this to be a tradition. “It’s a fantastic way for businesses to show team support and appreciation. Plus, it creates a great atmosphere for football!” Dr. Keel stated. For the University’s Family Weekend in late September, Vine Street was closed for a “Downtown Tailgate” event in conjunction with the City of Statesboro, coordinated by the Statesboro Convention & Visitors Bureau. The event also featured the Main Street Farmers Market, a great downtown attraction for students and their parents. “The market is great even if you don’t have a need to go there; just to walk up

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and down and absorb the ambience. It’s more than a farmers market, we enjoy the other things that are locally produced: soap, gourds, kettle corn,” said Dr. Keel. Two more examples of the University’s spread into the downtown area are the City Campus on East Main Street and the Georgia Southern Museum’s rotating exhibit at the new Visitor’s Center on South Main. “We’re just in the beginning stages of the building renovations for the City Campus,” Dr. Keel shared. “The university has partnered with the Averitt Center for the Arts in submitting a grant application for the construction of a pedestrian way between the campus and city hall.” When completed the City Campus will also house the Averitt’s Visual Arts Center. “We enjoy an excellent quality of life in Statesboro,” Dr. Keel said. “We have good schools and available land. I see Statesboro and Savannah becoming an epicenter of industrial growth in the next five to ten years.” To meet the need of supplying trained workers for current and future industry,

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Dr. Keel has focused the University on producing work ready graduates. “If students aren’t getting jobs, we’re not doing our jobs,” he said. “We have a bigger role than teaching Liberal Arts,” stated Dr. Keel, “the state expects more from us. As a university we have to ask ourselves, ‘How are we increasing the economy of the region?’” One way is by offering new engineering programs approved by the Board of Regents and conveyed in the fields of Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Civil Engineering, through the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT), which achieved certification by the Accreditation Board for Information Technology (ABET), and which came to fruition during Dr. Keel’s term. “We must teach students not only theory, but application, such as team work and good ethics. We want to produce work-ready graduates. Our role has to be both academic and practical,” he said. “Statesboro and Georgia Southern are blessed to have a positive reputation in the state,” Dr. Keel stated, “For the future, I expect more of the same. We want to be known nationally as a university that prides itself in providing for the economy of the region in every way - better athletics programs, more business and industry, and cultural advantages - because of Georgia Southern.” “We have a 108-year history of doing a great job at being a leader in South Georgia. I think we can build on that to become a leader known throughout the country,” he said, “Our goal is putting Georgia Southern on the national stage, where we belong.”

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MOTHERBOARD

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3rd Grade

First “Girl” Mayor of Statesboro

n December, the third grade of Brooklet Elementary School began packing into the computer lab anxiously awaiting their visitor for the day. They wiggled and tried to hold their hands patiently in their laps. As they settled down, one of the third grade teachers began a warm up with questions regarding a current study of local, state and national government. They began discussing the executive, judicial and legislative branches, describing the duties of each branch. After the discussion, the teacher quieted them down and announced the visitor for the day. Mayor Jan Moore stepped into the crowded classroom to a round of applause from the students. “So, I understand you have been learning all about government and city officials?” she asked. The room responded with a resounding “Yes!” Moore introduced herself as the Mayor of Statesboro and explained her job function as head of the city. From her selfdescribed “strange duties,” such as signing off on cemetery plots, to setting goals for the budget, she explained all of the duties of her role that the young crowd would find interesting. “Do you know what makes me unusual?” she asked the assembled eight and nine-year-olds. “I am the first female elected official in the City of Statesboro.” With this, all of the little girls in the room seemed to sit up a little taller. “My job is to make sure we all can live together and get along and to help us have a safe and civilized local government. For example, we want to make sure you are happy with your neighbor so we pass ordinances such as the noise ordinance. If your neighbor’s dog barks all night and is disturbing you, they are breaking a noise ordinance.” One little boy’s hand popped up on the front row. “Oh, that happened to me last night and I could hardly sleep!” he said. “See?” Mayor Moore pointed out, “They were breaking the noise ordinance.” Brimming with sweet justification, the young man looked self- satisfied with her answer.

Prior to her role as General Manager of Statesboro Magazine, Reagan Daly served as creator and editor for Moments Magazine from 2010-2013. She enjoys music, running, and writing about the joys of parenting in the south. She is married to Michael Daly, a Family Nurse Practitioner student at Georgia Southern University. They are the proud parents of son Kellen.

She went on to further explain her responsibilities and to explain how the city collects taxes to keep Statesboro clean and orderly. She then bravely opened up the floor to questions. “Are you Democrat or Republican?” one boy asked. She explained to him that her role was a non-partisan position. One little girl asked, “Do you like being mayor?” Moore responded emphatically, “Yes, I love being mayor!” The questions from the crowd ranged from inquiries about her job to curiosity about her home life. Asked if she had any pets, she told the group about her cat, “Black Beans with Rice.” She immediately began to win over the group with her unique talent for creating pet names. A little girl curious about décor, wanted to know what the Mayor’s office looked like. Moore described how she found her office originally to be too dark and dreary for her taste so she opened it up, painted the walls with her favorite shade of Panda White, and bought a new chair. The child nodded in approval. Guileless and eager to know the bottom line of the mayor’s office, one little boy asked what she made. “Being mayor is a part time job and I make $18,000.00 a year doing it,” Moore replied. The crowd gasped, thinking they would be rich if they became mayor. Mayor Moore chuckled at their reaction, smiled at them and said, “Yes, it’s a lot, I know.” For the better part of an hour, Moore patiently fielded questions from the children. From being asked if she has met the president or ridden in limos, to having to describe her typical 14-hour days serving as Mayor and Dean of Students for Ogeechee Technical College, the kids soaked up all of her answers. Towards the end of the Q & A, one little boy in the back of the room raised his hand. “Do you feel like you have accomplished something this year being the first girl mayor?” he asked. “Yes,” she said, “I absolutely do.” The newly informed group of young citizens couldn’t help but agree. January/February 2015 • 53

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of Writing and The Georgia Poetry Circuit and the Georgia Southern Department sday, February 4th, Linguistics will sponsor a poetry reading by Sholeh Wolpé on Wedne winner Charles Harper 2015, at 7:00 p.m. in I.T. 1005. Academy of American Poets prize Webb called Wolpé, “clearly a poet of the world.” Kingdom before Born in Iran, she spent her teen years in Trinidad and the United st Book Award, and settling in the United States. She is the recipient of the 2013 Midwe Poetry Foundation the 2010 Lois Roth Persian Translation Prize. About Sholeh, The s violence, culture, writes, “Wolpé’s concise, unflinching, and often wry free verse explore n in the Middle East, and gender. So many of Wolpé’s poems deal with the violent situatio be too proud.” yet she is ready to both bravely and playfully refuse to let death include: Keeping A poet, literary translator, and an editor, Wolpé’s eight books an Poets Speak to Time with Blue Hyacinths; Breaking the Jaws of Silence—Sixty Americ an poetry; and The the World, featuring some of the most respected voices in Americ inson k r e P e i n n o B y b t i Photo cred Forbidden: Poems from Iran and its Exiles. eorgiasouthern.edu/writling/ or call 912.478.0739. For more details about the poetry reading event visit http://class.g

2014 State Student Writing Contest Winners Announced

y The Georgia Southern Department of Writing & Linguistics recentl ia announced the winners of the Third Annual Write Place Georg h High School Writing Contest. Submissions were received throug served the month of October and faculty from Writing & Linguistics as judges. Students from high schools across Georgia were invited to turn in original submissions in three categories: Fiction, Poetry, and Nonfiction. Fiction: Samantha Sandrea (Winner) Ami Garland (Honorable Mention) Maddy Laing (Honorable Mention)

Nonfiction: Etienne Smith (Winner) No honorable mentions.

Poetry: Alexandra Hoffstetter (Winner) Briana Sellers (Honorable Mention) Njema Williams (Honorable Mention) t As part of the contest a public reading event featuring the studen t winners was held on the Georgia Southern campus. Each studen The also received a cash award, a engraved medal, and a certificate. contest is sponsored each fall by the Georgia Southern Department of Writing & Linguistics, Statesboro Magazine, Statesboro Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Averitt Center for the Arts. January/February 2015 • 59

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argaret gave me a Bible back in 1984. It shows the wear and tear of 1,500 Sundays. I have had it rebound twice, and the company that put the leather cover on it five-years-ago promised that it would outlast me. Do they know something I don’t know? Some of the pages are worn. Most of the gold has disappeared from the edges of the pages. One of my grandsons sat in the family room with a couple of crayons and decorated some of the pages, and the family was shocked when I didn’t punish him severely. They knew how much I love that Bible, but I quickly decided the coloring added character. Stuck in the pages of my Bible I have some treasures. There’s a picture of Margaret I took at an Eagles football game in Paulson Stadium. She has the most beautiful smile on her face. There are pictures of our daughters and grandchildren that I use as book marks; I feel warm every time I look at them. Then tucked toward the back are three funeral orders-of-service. One is dated 1976 and has the name of our son on it, Jon Bill Perry. He was killed in a car accident at the age of three. Another is dated 1998 and has my dad’s name on it. He was 90 when he died. And then there is the one dated 2003. It tells of my mother’s death and burial. I look at these a few times a year, and each of them brings a smile to my face. They used to bring tears. There’s a note from one of our daughters hidden away in my Bible. She wrote it in church one Sunday when her son was a preschooler. In the note she writes about how much my grandson favors me and how much his mannerisms are like mine. And she was happy about it! Wow! I thought she was going to ask me what she could do about it! Instead she was excited and happy! You can understand why I inserted this note in my Bible, can’t you? I’ve read this Bible through, from cover to cover, forty-one times during these thirty years. And as I’ve read I have marked and underlined verses that have spoken most loudly to me. I’m

Bill Perry grew up in Live Oak, Florida, a small town just south of Valdosta, GA. After graduating from Stetson University, he earned three degrees from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 2004, he retired as pastor of First Baptist Church of Statesboro after serving that congregation for 22 years. He and his wife, Margaret, registrar of Statesboro High School before her retirement in 2005, have two daughters, five grandsons, and one granddaughter. Bill has been very much involved in community life in Statesboro. He is an avid reader and has been a runner since 1973.

amazed that each time I read the Bible some verse pops out at me and grabs hold of my heart for the first time, and makes me pause and meditate. I wonder why a verse would speak so loudly to me now and not during the other times I have read it? My Bible has been a wonderful source of fulfillment for me. I shouldn’t be surprised; after all, it’s the Word of God, and He is in the business of bringing us to completion. The year Margaret gave me my Bible I prepared a sermon, and have preached it several times through the years. As I read the Scriptures I marked those verses that talked about the benefits that come through Bible study. Here’s what I wrote; I still believe these truths deeply. The Bible is Food to nourish us; The Bible is Light to guide us; The Bible is a Mirror to improve us; The Bible is a Seed to energize us; The Bible is a Sword to expose us. As a young man I heard a Christian psychologist say, “If you ever see a Bible that’s falling apart it probably belongs to someone who isn’t.” So I’m not going to replace my Bible, although it’s limp from much use. I’ll keep on studying it, preaching from it, and being inspired by it. I stand amazed that God would use a flawed vessel like me to proclaim its rich truths about Jesus to people who need to know and believe.

January/February 2015 • 61

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THE VIEW FROM HERE

AMAZING! H

ope is her first name and defines her life’s role seeing to it that empty glasses become at least half full.

Never knew the lady until in November, 2014, I read on Facebook about Adrian Peterson’s scheduled to speak to Bulloch County Faculty and staff regarding “dealing with being handicapped.” Following the sharing of his story with clear candor and tough illustrations about his growing up stuttering, the arcade outside the assembly hall was filled with audience members purchasing AP’s book, a pulling narrative as to how he always felt the presence of God throughout it all! Planned, scheduled and put together with nothing overlooked was Hope Potter Aldred! She was a blur of competence with her great smile, warm greetings as she operated the concession table, while Adrian posed for pictures! This is an exceptional lady! Thought in my 82 years I was finished being “taken back” with new faces! Not to be! Many of my FB friends will recall a post I listed that night of my meeting Hope. “So driven is she had Hope been a member of Magellan’s crew she would gotten into his face and admonished him with ‘keep going, Mel! For certain the world is not f lat’. She would be overjoyed in agreeing with Ben Franklin’s idea of the key! ‘Yeah, Mr. Franklin, you are right on.’ Further had she read for the Batman sidekick it would have been Robbinett.’ I find her mental strength including strategy so solid had she been Woodrow Wilson’s Secretary of State, Congress would have in favor of the League of Nations. No fear here. So much so Lombardi would have come across “all right, Aldred, you can stalk the sidelines with me. Just don’t be yelling at my players when they do something stupid.” These samples of her strength and commitment to the cause I do not jest. I find in Hope her commission first and foremost as each day begins is her being Mom to Parrish and Porter. “They are my everlasting loves. As they develop their missions in life, I’m going to be right there. Their approaching destinies are already underway. Every ounce of my putting power to

Ric Mandes, a popular essayist, retired after 27 years as Director of Public Relations and Development for Georgia Southern. His memories about growing up and living in South Georgia inspire his writings. He’s a published author and former newspaper columnist for the AJC.

what may come to my sons is my total involvement.” She sits across the table at Pateros with unwavering eye contact. Why such assurance of these things Hope, I ask. “Because I believe in prayer. And I chose to have faith that heaven is for real, the Bible is my guide and there is a Savior watching over me as a Mother.” I chose to believe this individual sitting in front of me as having just stated the anthem of good and worthy Moms. So why this column, Mandes? Here’s why. At 82, I am wonderfully blessed to have met Hope Potter Aldred, a noticer, a reacher, an activist who can eliminate all obstacles for someone’s decent and worthy journey, such as Adrian Peterson! She coordinates his monthly visits to Statesboro, whereby for their past two years Adrian has shared his story not with any note of sadness but rather with the determination, desire which led him from a scamp of a boy running around the school yard, to to an incredible physical motion with his crossing the field stripes of the Super Bowl as a Chicago Bears. Her life is 24/7 as she cares for her sons and is always sensitive to someone’s out of focus dream or destiny at tilt. Why so much reaching out? “Maybe it has something to do with God’s plan for me. I certainly have not prayed for him to appoint me to some high post in the Vatican. I have and still do live a common life which, yes, includes an exceptional sense of awareness for those almost to the finish line. The captive illustration about Hope’s mission is Adrian Peterson. A mild mannered Christian boy who grew up running in the sandy paths of Florida with an awful f law. His book is beautifully written – void of jock jargon, but page after page describing his wonderful parents. Going to Sunday school and church. It is a narrative of healing. And that is where our Hope steps in. She read his book. Was moved by its signal. Called Adrian said, “I want to help get your message way out there.” In tandem, like those quarterback’s of his running career, once a month AP f lies to Statesboro as Hope hands off a tight three day when released will bless so many! January/February 2015 • 65

TRANSITIONS

Missing someone gets easier every day because even though it’s one day further from the last time you saw each other, it’s one day closer to the next time you will. — Author Unknown Mrs. Elizabeth “Betty” Hall Adams

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Mr. Lester Paul Norton

10.19.14

Mrs. Sophie Aiken

09.25.14

Miss Shirley Mae Ellis

10.23.14

Mrs. Inez Hodges Nowell

09.10.14

Mr. Emory Nathaniel Allen

09.21.14

Mr. Jonah “Mortician Man” Evans

09.16.14

Mr. James Darby “Jim” Orr

09.26.14

Mrs. Elva “Lee”Alston

10.08.14

Mrs. Dorothy Morris Gay

10.15.14

Mrs. Margaret Geraldine “Nana” Owens

09.16.14

Mrs. Mary Ellen Wilkerson Appleton

10.13.14

Mrs. Charlotte Ann Graham

10.09.14

Mr. Greg Parker

09.06.14

Mr. Jesse L. Bath

09.16.14

Mr. Donald Lynn “Donnie” Harley, Sr.

09.28.14

Mr. Silas Daryl Parrish

10.18.14

Mrs. Donna “Nonnie” Brower Bearden

09.26.14

Ms. Geneva Williams Hill

10.15.14

Mr. William Albert “Perk” Perkins, III

09.13.14

Mr. Herman William Benemon

10.06.14

Mrs. Margaret Ann Beard Hodges

09.30.14

Mr. Robert Franklin Phillips III

09.25.14

Mr. Felder Garland Black

10.06.14

Mrs. Frankie Elliott Hodges

10.07.14

Mr. Gus Pinkney

10.08.14

Mrs. Eva Roberson Bland Blackburn

10.29.14

Mr. Eric Glenn Howard

10.03.14

Mrs. Wylle Myrtice Altman Ray

10.25.14

Mr. Floyd Brannen

09.22.14

Ms. Linda Faye Parrish Hunnicutt

10.01.14

Mrs. Ashley Salter

10.27.14

Mrs. Wilma L. Brannen

10.22.14

Mr. Lewis O. Ingram

10.19.14

Mrs. Sharon Marie Sanders

10.26.14

Mrs. Thetis Valeta Carpenter Brinson

10.24.14

Mrs. Eleanor Patricia Jones James

09.26.14

Rev. Donald C. “Don” Scarborough

10.06.14

Mr. Otis Waldo Campbell

09.28.14

Mr. John Mack Jenkins

09.23.14

Mr. Russell William Smith

09.11.14

Mr. Steve Clarke

09.18.14

Mr. Ronnie Johnson

09.27.14

Mrs. Angie Diane Jenkins Smith

09.30.14

Mr. W.L. “Wright” Coleman

10.02.14

Ms. B. Corine Jones

09.27.14

Mr. Larry Paul Smith

10.11.14

Mrs. Margaret “Danielle” Collins

10.09.14

Dr. Gerald A. Jones

10.07.14

Mr. Daniel Winfield Smith, Jr.

10.18.14

Mr. Reginald Dean “Reggie”Collins

10.25.14

Mrs. Hazel Hallman Lewis

10.01.14

Dr. Robert B. Stambuk

10.15.14

Mr. Edward Oliver Cone

09.13.14

Miss Caroline Alexandra “Allie”Linaugh

10.23.14

Mrs. Margaret Brogdon Lanier Stanfield

09.26.14

Mr. James Clifford Conner

10.18.14

Mrs. Naomi Elizabeth MacCaughelty

09.27.14

Mr. Preston “Brother” Taylor, Jr.

09.19.14

Mrs. Ernestine Brannen Roberts Cowan

09.13.14

Mr. Charles Warren Mallard

10.03.14

Mrs. Mildred Flakes Thompson

09.14.14

Mr. Robert Daughtry

10.03.14

Mr. Raymond McGinnis

09.20.14

Mr. Robert AllenThompson

10.23.14

Ms. Mary Richey Dickerson

10.05.14

Mr. James “Ray”McNeely, Sr.

10.18.14

Mr. Jason Warren Tootle

10.15.14

Mr. Walter Dickerson, Jr.

09.05.14

Mr. Willie Ham Mercer

09.15.14

Mr. George Douglass “Doug” Twyford

10.12.14

Mr. Jim Bowie Durden, Jr.

09.21.14

Mrs. Ginger Martin Miller

10.27.14

Mr. Jacob Maurice Wilkerson

10.17.14

Mrs. Kathleen B. Eason

10.14.14

Mr. John Charles “Lank” Mincey

10.03.14

Mrs. Dovie Lee Williams

10.15.14

Miss Brooke Lauren Edwards

09.12.14

Mrs. Mildred James Morris

09.30.14

Ms. Joyce Ann Zetterower

09.01.14

Mrs. Virginia Musgrove Mott

09.05.14

66 • Statesboro Magazine

Statesboro

Simple Banking, Your Way.

Sandersville

132 S. Harris St. 425 Commerce Dr. Statesboro, GA 30461 Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-5116 (912) 871-2971 www.cbwc.com www.cbofbc.com

Here is where relationships begin.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something different about the way everyone interacts with and cares for one another in our community, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find that same way of doing things at Sea Island Bank. Turn to us today for all of the products and services you need to meet your financial goals.

seaislandbank.com | 912.489.8661 Banking products are provided by Synovus Bank, Member FDIC. Divisions of Synovus Bank operate under multiple trade names across the Southeast.